having now spent fifty years of my life in public offices and trusts, and having still one ambition left, that of carrying the character of fidelity, at least, to the grave with me, I cannot allow that I was behind any of them in zeal and faithfulnes
Several of them appear to have been opened, the paper round the seals being smoked and burnt, as with the flame of a candle used to soften the wax, and the impression defaced. The curiosity of people in this time of war is unbounded.
having now spent fifty years of my life in public offices and trusts, and having still one ambition left, that of carrying the character of fidelity, at least, to the grave with me, I cannot allow that I was behind any of them in zeal and faithfulnes
I gave them immediately to Mr. Maskelyne, the Astronomer Royal, who will compare and digest the whole received from different parts of the world, and report thereon to the Royal Society.
I was about to return home last Summer, and had some thoughts of doing it by way of Boston; but the untoward Situation of American Affairs here induc'd my Friends to advise my staying another Winter.
At length after much Delay and Difficulty I have been able to obtain your Telescope, that was made by Mr. Short before his Death. His brother who succeeds in the Business has fitted it up and compleated it.
In the same Confidence I send you the inclosed Extract from my Journal, containing a late Conference between the Secretary and your Friend, in which you will see a little of his Temper
I can easily conceive the Difficulty a Man in your Situation, with such Connections, and so well esteemed and belov'd among them, must have in resolving to leave them with an Intention of Settling in a distant Country.
the storm of bills which I found coming upon us both, has terrified and vexed me to such a degree that I have been deprived of sleep, and so much indisposed by continual anxiety, as to be rendered almost incapable of writing.
I am made by this to apprehend that something is amiss, and perhaps have more Uneasiness from the Uncertainty, than I should have had if you had told me what it was.
The Board are not favourably disposed towards your Insolvent Acts, pretending to doubt whether distant Creditors, particularly such as reside in England, may not sometimes be injured by them.
I was disappointed till lately, when I had a meeting with Mr. Patterson, esteemed one of the best judges of that commodity, who favoured me with the enclosed paper, and, in conversation, with the following particulars.
In consequence of a proposition I sent over, the parliament of Britain have just passed an act for exchanging American prisoners. They have near 1100 in the jails of England and Ireland, all committed as charged with high treason.
I am very sensible of the honour done me by your House of Representatives, in appointing me their Agent here. It will make me extreamly happy, if I can render them any valuable Service.
